Bhagya Abeyratne
Bhagya Abeyratne | |
|---|---|
| Born | Sri Lanka |
| Occupation | Environmental advocate |
| Known for | Highlighting illegal logging in Sinharaja Forest Reserve |
Bhagya Abeyratne, alternatively spelled Bhagya Abeyrathna (), is recognized as a Sri Lankan environmental advocate who brought to light the issue of illegal logging within the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in March 2021.
Education
Abeyratne pursued her early and secondary schooling at Rahula National School located in Godakawela and successfully completed her Advanced Level examinations in the year 2020.
Activism
During her participation in Lakshapathi, a reality television program broadcast on Sirasa TV, Abeyratne disclosed ongoing deforestation near the Sinharaja forest. Her revelations prompted official attention, including a police search of her home aimed at documenting her statements. Authorities refuted her claims and cautioned against raising concerns without comprehensive evidence.
Her environmental efforts attracted widespread attention on social media platforms, where she was likened to Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. Numerous fellow activists and religious leaders criticized the government's inquiry and intimidation tactics targeting Abeyratne, calling for safeguards to support her environmental advocacy.